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Some women, when they travel, look smart and chic and perfectly pulled together, no matter where they are or how long they've been on the road. What, you might ask, is the secret to their great travel style? Why don't they look frazzled and bedraggled and out of place like the rest of us? Well, we checked in with some of the travel-savviest women we know and discovered that the answer is in the bag. Literally.

"Start with a small suitcase," advises travel writer Michele Sponagle, who is also the national president of the Travel Media Association of Canada. "The bigger the suitcase, the more you pack - it's that simple. With a smaller suitcase, you're forced to edit and be stringent in your choices."

And when we say "small," we really mean small. The women we spoke with do mostly carry-on, at least when it comes to business travel, and especially when travelling on airlines that charge for checked luggage.

"Definitely carry-on! I hate wasting time waiting in line at check-in or baggage claim," says Cristelle Basmaji, style expert for Jacob.

Adds Lynn Gervais, communications director for Top Table Group, who recently moved back to Vancouver after a couple of years working with luxury hotel groups in Dubai and Abu Dhabi: "Whether it's a week in Italy, a getaway in the Maldives, or an excursion in Nepal, I have easily managed with just a carry-on. The last time I checked a bag was in November when I moved back to Canada from the Middle East - I figured this was justified."

The exception is Donnalee Langton, president of Langton PR, who works with a number of beauty companies. "I am the antithesis of a 'light packer.' When I go on two-week vacations, airport check-in personnel have asked if I'm vacationing or moving," she says with a laugh. "I like to have choices and feel that I'm comfortably and appropriately dressed whether I'm travelling for business or pleasure. Every time I try and trim down, I always regret it."

Still, one of the benefits of a smaller bag is that it forces you to edit what you pack. The key, say our experts, is to start with a plan.

"I always make a list of my activities and then plan my outfit for the day," says Lisa Tant, vice-president, exclusive services, for Holt Renfrew. "This process takes some time, but it has saved me all kinds of disappointment and expensive last-minute buys when I arrive at my destination."

Basmaji agrees. "Make a list. Figure out your meetings, dinners and other activities, and decide what you will need for each."

Then build your travel wardrobe on a foundation of basics, starting with a great pair of pants, and including a jacket, a dress, comfortable walking shoes, a waterproof jacket, and a variety of tops and accessories. It helps if your foundation pieces are in a comfortable, wrinkle-proof fabric, such as ponte or jersey. And think layers.

"I'm all about layering," says Samantha Geer, whose PR company, Avenue Communications, represents various travel-related clients. "I always try to double up my outfits, finding a great pair of pants that can work with several tops, and also accessories to change the look. A great scarf and necklace - I'm really into accessorizing as you can make a simple outfit pop."

Basmaji advises: "The key is to make sure all the pieces mix and match well together, so don't bring too many different colours. And make sure your foundation pieces are black, white, beige or grey."

Adds Sponagle: "I often stick to a black-and-white colour theme, so all separates work together. A pair of jeans with a touch of Lycra for daytime sightseeing, lightweight knit tops and comfy shoes, never runners, unless I'm hiking and that rarely happens. And I always have a shawl or scarf for over-air-conditioned restaurants or planes."

"I would focus on my basics and one print," Tant adds. "My accessories would change the mood of my outfit. And always pack layers - they give you more styling options and then you can add or subtract depending upon unpredictable weather."

"Layers are key," Gervais says. "You will be more comfortable in a variety of climates and will have more options. My staple is a pashmina. This is not only one of my key accessories, but it is also handy to have on chilly airplanes or to cover your shoulders or hair in conservative countries."

And don't forget the finishing touch: "Jewelry is a must as it can take an outfit from casual to dressy very easily," Langton says. "And it's small and easy to pack."

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